SACRAMENTO — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell today commented on the budget agreement approved this afternoon by the Legislature:

"I congratulate the Legislature for its hard work and bipartisan cooperation in passing this bond measure and spending cap. Governor Schwarzenegger is to be commended for providing the necessary leadership and flexibility that led to this positive outcome.

"This budget agreement reflects the desire of the people of California by helping to put our fiscal house in order while protecting our ability to invest in key priorities, such as education.

"I hope that this spirit of cooperation and bipartisanship will continue into the January budget negotiations. It is critical that as we close our daunting budget gap, we do so based on the same principles that drove today's agreement. In that process I look forward to working with the Governor on funding options that are fair to school districts and California children.

"I am particularly pleased that the school bond measure, Proposition 55, will remain on the March 2004 ballot. Classroom construction and modernization are critically needed at schools throughout our state. The March ballot will give California voters an opportunity to give our students a safer, more enriching and less crowded learning environment."